Our Local Guide

For the sights in Nepal, we had a local guide along with our regular guide, Lalit. She told us some interesting things about Nepal, the most interesting, in my opinion, was that there is still a caste system in Nepal. All castes have equal rights, but when you marry, you have to state your caste on your marriage license. Brahmin is the highest caste.

Nepal has been democratic republic since 2008. Before this time, it was a monarchy. Hindus make up over 80% of the population and Buddhists about 9%. However, many people say they are both Hindus and Buddhists.

Seventy–five percent of the workforce is in agriculture. There are not enough jobs for everyone, so many Nepalese go to other countries to work.

Its infrastructure needs work. More than a third of the houses do not have indoor plumbing.

It also has eight of the ten tallest mountains, with Mt. Everest being the highest point on earth at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters).

Buildings

Many of the houses and apartment houses that we saw in Nepal look like these do and are very attractive. Some of them have been built with money sent back by the Nepalese working in foreign countries.

Nepal Countryside

We drove up a mountain in the Nepal countryside with lovely views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Nagarkot

We drove up to the top of the mountain to Nagarkot. Here was a Buddhist shrine with all–seeing eyes.

Club Himalaya Resort

We stopped at the Club Himalaya Resort to get a view of Mt. Everest and the Himalayas.

Non-View of Mt. Everest

The viewing point, but too foggy and too much air pollution to see the Himalayas from here. But we would see them tomorrow.

Former King of Nepal

I did not follow my group right away up the hill to the resort as I was taking photos of the Buddhist shrine. I missed the event of seeing the last king of Nepal leaving the gift store. Our local guide recognized him.

On June 1, 2001, at a house on the grounds of the Narayanhity Royal Palace, 10 members of the royal family, including King Birendra and his wife, were shot to death. It is believed that Prince Dipendra, son of the king, killed his family members and himself and wounded four others. It is said he was angry that he would not be allowed to marry who he wanted. Prince Dipendra did not die right away and was in a coma when he was declared the new king of Nepal.

When Prince Dipendra died, the brother of King Birendra, Prince Gyanendra, became king and was the last king of Nepal. However, many people believe that Gyanendra masterminded the massacre so that he could become king. (Photo taken from the internet.)

Nepal Countryside

Nepal countryside scene.

I have put my photos of our trip to Nagarkot and the countryside on a slide show. Go to

http://www.peggysphotos.com/day–2a–nepal–countryside/

(Slide Shows, Asia, Nepal, “Day 2A: Nepal Countryside”).

Durbar Square

Our next stop was at Durbar Square in Kathmandu where the old royal palace was located. Here there are palace buildings, temples, shrines, and many vendors. We ate lunch at Durbar Square.

Durbar Square: Wedding Procession–MOVIE

While we were at Durbar Square, a band was leading a wedding procession.

Durbar Square: Dancers–MOVIE

We were also treated to dancers in interesting costumes.

Pashupatinath Temple

Our next stop was at Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The ghats along the Bagmati River are cremation sites.

Cremation at the Pashupatinath Temple–MOVIE

A movie taken of part of a cremation in full view.

Pashupatinath Temple

A view of the temple. Non–Hindus are not allowed in the temple.

Sadhus

Sadhus are holy men, followers of Lord Shiva. Our local guide told us we would need to pay them if we wanted to take photos, which I did. However, my guide book said that real sadhus don’t charge for photos, so these might not be real sadhus.

Boudhanath

Our next stop was at Boudhanath, which has the largest Tibetan community in Nepal. It also has the most sacred Tibetan temple outside Tibet––this giant stupa. The stupa was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasion.

Boudhanath

The Tibetans built very interesting buildings around the stupa. You could spend much enjoyable time here eating, walking, viewing the buildings, and shopping.

Boudhanath

A colorful building in Boudhanath.

Female Sand Carrier–MOVIE

Nepalese women do some really heavy work. Movie taken at Boudhanath.

I have put my photos of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath on a slide show. Go to

http://www.peggysphotos.com/day–2b–kathmandu/

(Slide Shows, Asia, Nepal, “Day 2B, Katmandu”).

Seen Walking Back to Our Bus

An interesting layout of vegetables for sale.